Two Jamaican farm workers lost their lives in a motor vehicle collision in Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada, on Thursday.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has expressed deep sadness over the incident.
The ministry, in a statement, said information from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) indicated that emergency responders were dispatched shortly after 4:00 p.m. (local time) to a collision involving an off-road utility vehicle and a sport utility vehicle.
The police reported that there were three occupants in the off-road vehicle, according to the ministry.
“One occupant was transported to hospital with injuries, while the driver and a passenger sustained life-threatening injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. The operator of the sport utility vehicle was also transported to hospital with injuries. The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation,” the ministry said in its statement.
The deceased workers were participants in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP).
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr., expressed profound sadness at the tragic loss.
“The death of these two workers is a painful reminder of the sacrifices many Jamaicans make to provide for their families. Today, two families are facing unimaginable loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones and stand ready to provide support as they navigate this tragedy,” he said.